Flyingwith pets, any recommendation on airline?

[scottmandue]

I'm not too worried about this but my wife is.

We are flying her two babies (cats) down from Portland to Lost Angeles (only a two hour flight).

One cat is too big to fit under the seat so will have to go cargo... but wife wants them to be together... but I'm hearing airline's only allow one pet per carrier.

Anyone fly with pets? If so what airline is most accommodating?

[stomachmonkey]

Basically there is a limit to the total number of animals allowed up top. Something like 2.

Make sure the carrier is approved by the airline. If it's not one they allow then kitty goes underneath or does not get on at all regardless of size.

If kitty fits in approved carrier then size may not matter.

Personally I would not put pets underneath either.

[rouxroux]

Yes, total of 2 animals/cabin on most flights with MUCH ADVANCE NOTICE. Personally, I would never fly any of mine as cargo even though I have ATA aluminum flight kennels (even though I know many breeders/showers who do). We use a Sherpa bag for in-cabin. Many short-nosed dogs and other animals should not be flown as cargo during certain times of the year due to heat-related breathing issues. Check the suggestions of your airline.

Here's one of our little guys getting a bit of special attention on a flight back from England:

[rouxroux]

After reading that it's a 2-hour flight, you might be in a commuter in which the "cargo" area may just turn out to be the rear compartment rather than "underneath". Check what type of plane the flight uses.

[Jim Richards]

My mini schnauzer is too big to fly with us in the cabin. Alaska Airlines has worked out well for our coast-to-coast non-stop travels. Five round trips so far.

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by Jim Richards

My mini schnauzer is too big to fly with us in the cabin. Alaska Airlines has worked out well for our coast-to-coast non-stop travels. Five round trips so far.

Hmmmm, we are frequent flyer's with Alaska... I'll call and ask.

Thanks!

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by rouxroux

After reading that it's a 2-hour flight, you might be in a commuter in which the "cargo" area may just turn out to be the rear compartment rather than "underneath". Check what type of plane the flight uses.

Alaska flys 737

[kanadary]

portland to LA may be Canadair RJs thru horizon air. it really depends on which airport, if you go to LGB its usually RJs.

[jyl]

Don't forget sedation. Or your cats may hurt themselves trying to get out of the carrier. It happens, they tear their claws off etc.

[Steve Carlton]

I think United Airlines PetSafe is a good program.

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by kanadary

Portland to LA may be Canadair RJs thru horizon air. it really depends on which airport, if you go to LGB its usually RJs.

Been commuting LAX/LGB/SNA to PDX for two years, I see the RJ's but L.A. to PDX Alaska is Boeing 737 and Jetblue is Airbuss (330 I think).

Originally Posted by jyl

Don't forget sedation. Or your cats may hurt themselves trying to get out of the carrier. It happens, they tear their claws off etc.

Airlines recommend against this... however I'm pretty sure wife will sedate them anyway.

United only allows one pet per person and per carrier.

Delta and America fly through Alaska, that also allows only one pet per carrier.

Thanks for the help guys!